NFHS Technology & Tools 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A computerized neurocognitive test shows an athlete's post-concussion scores are within the normal range but still below their personal baseline. What does NFHS guidance suggest?
- The athlete may return to full contact practice immediately
- The athlete should not be cleared solely based on normal population norms; individual baseline comparison matters (Correct answer)
- The test should be repeated daily until scores improve
- The below-baseline score is not clinically meaningful
Correct answer: The athlete should not be cleared solely based on normal population norms; individual baseline comparison matters
Individual baseline comparisons are more sensitive than population norms; a drop from personal baseline can indicate persistent concussion effects.
Question 2: Which of the following would MOST compromise the validity of an athlete's neurocognitive baseline test result?
- Testing in a quiet room with no distractions
- The athlete intentionally performing poorly to appear less impaired post-injury (Correct answer)
- Using a computer with a standard keyboard
- Testing in the fall before the season starts
Correct answer: The athlete intentionally performing poorly to appear less impaired post-injury
Athletes who sandbagging (intentionally underperforming) on baseline tests create false low baselines, making post-injury impairments harder to detect.
Question 3: Wearable technology that monitors an athlete in real time during practice is best described as which category of concussion tool?
- Diagnostic imaging technology
- Prospective impact monitoring technology (Correct answer)
- Retrospective video analysis technology
- Return-to-play decision software
Correct answer: Prospective impact monitoring technology
Real-time wearables prospectively monitor forces during activity to flag potentially injurious impacts as they occur.
Question 4: A school implements a cloud-based concussion management platform. Which stakeholder group should have the MOST restricted access to individual athlete concussion records?
- Licensed athletic trainers directly managing the athlete's care
- General coaching staff not involved in medical decisions (Correct answer)
- Team physicians overseeing the athlete
- School nurses coordinating return-to-learn
Correct answer: General coaching staff not involved in medical decisions
HIPAA and FERPA principles limit access to protected health records to those with a direct care or educational need; general coaches do not typically qualify.
Question 5: Virtual reality (VR) technology is being studied in concussion rehabilitation primarily for which purpose?
- Reducing the cost of MRI scans
- Providing controlled vestibular and oculomotor rehabilitation exercises (Correct answer)
- Replacing sideline assessment protocols
- Monitoring impact forces during gameplay
Correct answer: Providing controlled vestibular and oculomotor rehabilitation exercises
VR can simulate environments that challenge the vestibular and visual systems in a controlled, graded way useful for concussion rehab.
Question 6: Which statement BEST reflects how the NFHS views the role of technology in the concussion recognition and management process?
- Technology replaces the need for licensed medical professionals in concussion decisions
- Technology is a supportive tool that aids, but does not replace, clinical judgment by qualified healthcare providers (Correct answer)
- Schools should only use technology tools approved by their state's high school association
- Athletes cleared by neurocognitive apps do not require physician sign-off
Correct answer: Technology is a supportive tool that aids, but does not replace, clinical judgment by qualified healthcare providers
NFHS policy consistently emphasizes that technology supports but does not replace the expertise of qualified healthcare professionals in concussion management.
Question 7: An app-based Return-to-Learn (RTL) tracker helps school personnel manage a concussed athlete's academic accommodations. Which professional should have primary authority over the medical clearance stage of RTL?
- The school principal
- A licensed healthcare provider with concussion management expertise (Correct answer)
- The classroom teacher tracking symptoms
- The school counselor using the app
Correct answer: A licensed healthcare provider with concussion management expertise
Medical clearance for academic reintegration after concussion must be directed by a qualified healthcare provider, not administrative or educational staff.
NFHS Technology & Tools 4
A computerized neurocognitive test shows an athlete's post-concussion scores are within the normal range but still below their personal baseline.
What does NFHS guidance suggest?